Malaysia Flight 370: Be an information steward in times of crisis

In times of crisis, the first question most often asked is “why?” It’s a simple question on the surface, but unfortunately, the attempts to offer an answer are incredibly complicated. The recent disappearance of Malaysian

Airlines Flight 370 has stirred up intense anticipation, curiosity and concern. As hours turn to days and days to weeks, without concrete answers being shared, speculation takes a front seat.

How can we, the human race, offer support to those waiting and wondering? How can we be good stewards of information? How can we help the experts in their search for answers? What if it were you?

Allow these three words to guide you during conversations and information sharing.

Perspective: Everyone engaged in a given situation is coming from various walks of life with vastly different experiences and perspectives. We should embrace all ideas with an open mind and avoid jumping to quick conclusions. Realize that simply agreeing or disagreeing with an idea or theory does not make it right or wrong. Embrace conversations that widen your knowledge on the topic and enhance your perspective.

Confirmation: Don’t hit the share button too quickly. Are you able to stand confidently alongside the source? Is this a trusted advisor? Just because someone’s grandfather was a pilot in the Korean War doesn’t mean they know the first thing about how a “black box” will help investigations. Don’t be afraid to question theories, but don’t question just to create an argument. Arguing for the sake of arguing is a waste of time, and in times of crisis is simply disrespectful.

Compassion: Chose your words wisely. Thanks to technology, a simple tweet can go viral within a matter of minutes. Evaluate your comments; would you stand toe-to-toe and speak those words to a loved one in this situation? What you have to say is important, just craft the message carefully.

In times of tragedy we, the human race, are tested in new ways whether near or far from a situation.

“Everyone has gone through something that has changed them in a way that they could never go back to the person they once were.” -- Unknown

Who are your trusted sources for information? How have you helped a neighbor in need? Tell us in the comments below or tweet your responses using the hashtag #mcgblog.